The stage is set for a thrilling Test series in England, with the Indian team arriving on English soil. The first Test match kicks off on June 20, marking the official start of India’s England tour. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, Shubman Gill has been handed the reins of the team.
Gill, just 24, is set to lead the Indian Test team for the first time. The announcement was made on May 24, and since then, he’s been busy preparing for the challenge ahead. In a recent press conference, Gill fielded questions from the media alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Interestingly, Gill revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no expectations from him. He shared that he’s had multiple conversations with Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the BCCI selection committee, and they’ve made it clear that they don’t want him to feel pressured. “They want me to prove myself as a leader,” Gill said.
Gill acknowledged that while there might not be any external pressure, as a player and a leader, he has his own set of expectations. The Indian team will play five Test matches between June 20 and August 4, and an 18-member squad has been announced for the series. Currently, the team is engaged in an intra-squad match to help players acclimate to English pitches.
India’s Tour of England
The series promises to be an exciting one, with India looking to make a statement in English conditions. Under Gill’s leadership, the team will face a stiff challenge, but they’re well-prepared.
- First Test: June 20
- Second Test: June 27
- Third Test: July 4
- Fourth Test: July 17
- Fifth Test: July 31
The Indian team’s performance in England will be closely watched, and Gill’s leadership will be under scrutiny. Can he inspire his team to victory, or will England prove too strong? Only time will tell.